Supplements

Tart Montmorency cherry supplementation improves sustained attention, alertness, and reduces mental fatigue in middle-aged adults

In a 3-month double-blind RCT, 30 ml of Montmorency cherry concentrate twice daily improved digit vigilance accuracy by 3.3% (95% CI: 0.2, 6.4%) and reduced false alarms by 1.2 (95% CI: -2.0, -0.4) compared to placebo. Alertness increased by 5.9% (95% CI: 1.3, 10.5%) and mental fatigue decreased by 9.5% (95% CI: -16.5, -2.5%).

Last updated: Aug 26, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score42/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Polyphenol-rich tart cherries (Prunus Cerasus, cv Montmorency) improve sustained attention, feelings of alertness and mental fatigue and influence the plasma metabolome in middle-aged adults: a randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

observational

Kimble R, Keane KM, Lodge JK, Cheung W, Haskell-Ramsay CF, Howatson G · The British journal of nutrition (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 3 months
Intervention: 30 ml of Montmorency cherry concentrate twice daily for 3 months
Outcome: Sustained attention (digit vigilance accuracy and false alarms), alertness, mental fatigue, plasma metabolomics
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Middle-aged adults (mean age 48 ± 6 years, n=50)

Result:

PubMed: 35109960DOI: 10.1017/S0007114522000460

Mechanism Graph

Polyphenol-rich cherries provide anthocyanins and other polyphenols
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These compounds exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasomodulatory actions
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Plasma metabolomics showed increased amino acids after cherry intake
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Result: Improved sustained attention, alertness, and reduced mental fatigue

Limitations

  • ⚠Small sample size (n=50 total, 25 per group)
  • ⚠Mechanism of action not fully established; only correlational metabolomic changes reported

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended dose of Montmorency cherry concentrate for cognitive benefits?▼

The study used 30 ml twice daily for 3 months.

How long does it take to see improvements in attention and fatigue?▼

The study measured outcomes after 3 months of supplementation.

Who was the study population?▼

Middle-aged adults with an average age of 48 years, ranging from 42 to 54 years.

What cognitive tasks were used to measure attention?▼

A computerised cognitive task battery including digit vigilance, with accuracy and false alarm rates reported.

Products

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References

  1. 1.Kimble R, Keane KM, Lodge JK, Cheung W, Haskell-Ramsay CF, Howatson G. "Polyphenol-rich tart cherries (Prunus Cerasus, cv Montmorency) improve sustained attention, feelings of alertness and mental fatigue and influence the plasma metabolome in middle-aged adults: a randomised, placebo-controlled trial.." The British journal of nutrition, 2026. PMID: 35109960 DOI: 10.1017/S0007114522000460
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.